Photo Coverage: MEMPHIS Treats 1000 NYC Public School Student to First Broadway Show

World-renowned watchmaker Audemars Piguet partnered with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) and the Tony Awards today, to host more than 1,000 underserved New York City Public School Students at their very first Broadway show. Through "Inspire Change," an initiative launched by the producers of Memphis, students from 11 public schools throughout the 5 boroughs of Manhattan enjoyed this special performance of Memphis in addition to in-school workshops and a "talk-back" with the cast and producers of the show and representatives from the Tony Awards.

At the end of the performance, all 1,000 students surprised the cast by jumping to their feet to join in for the show's finale, "Steal Your Rock and Roll." The students, who had been practicing both the lyrics and choreography for weeks, took to the aisles and stage to join the excited cast members for the song.

BroadwayWorld was on hand for the special curtain call and brings you photo coverage below.

François-Henry Bennahmias, President & CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, says, "After two incredibly successful years partnering with the Tony Awards, this year we are excited to make a direct impact in our community. Audemars Piguet is proud to offer 1,000 students their first Broadway experience, as part of our commitment to New York City's theater community, the Tonys and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Music has touched my life and I hope that this special experience will foster a lifelong love of music among these students, too."

"The cast flipped out when they saw the whole audience stand up and dance!" says Sue Frost, producer of Memphis, "It was absolutely incredible, I wish it could happen every night! We're so grateful to Audemars Piguet, BC/EFA and the Tony Awards for joining Memphis in our effort to inspire change."

"Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is grateful to Audemars Piguet and the Tony Awards for the opportunity to work with the producers of MEMPHIS and "Inspire Change" on such a special day for so many in underserved public schools and social service agencies across New York City," said Tom Viola, BC/EFA's executive director. "The stories of personal courage in MEMPHIS reflect the challenges these kids face each day. To see their lives portrayed on stage creates self-esteem that encourages young people to make healthy choices outside the classroom."

Audemars Piguet will continue their support of Broadway through their third annual sponsorship of the red carpet at the 65th Annual Tony Awards, which will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from the Beacon Theatre in New York City, on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 12, 2011.

Inspire Change was designed as a way for students in schools that the New York City Department of Education has identified as "arts poor" to experience the Tony-winning Broadway musical MEMPHIS, an in-theater post-show discussion, and to participate in an interactive pre- and post-show workshops designed to enhance those experiences. For more information about Inspire Change, visit http://www.memphisthemusical.com/inspire.html.